Golf platform with adjustable inclination

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a golf practicing device having a platform with adjustable tilt on two independent axial creating a variety of inclination thus allowing a player to simulate variety of lies of the golf course in a driving range. In its first embodiment, the device comprising of a hitting surface  20  covered with artificial turf  21,  mounted on a base  10  with a double-cross joint  30.  On the hitting surfaces  20  are switches  70   a    70   b    70   c    70   d  wired to a pair of linear actuators  50 51  affixed to a cable  80  running through a conjugated pulley cable guide  40 41 42 43  so that pressing the switches  70   a    70   b    70   c    70   d  will cause one side of the hitting surface  20  to lower and the opposite side to lift up, causing the golf platform to tilt toward the direction of activated switch.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This present invention relates to a golf platform and, more particularly, to a golf platform with adjustable inclination.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golf is a popular sport with a steep learning curve, a majority of practice is done in a driving range instead of in an actual course due to its cost and time requirements. Practice ranges provide an opportunity to practice swings conveniently and affordably. However, the practicing platforms in today's driving range are all flat and level. In contrast, the real golf courses pit the player against a variety of different inclinations of terrain, also referred to as “lies” in golf terminology. These lies require special swings that are just as important to master as the regular swing for flat ground. Players who spend a majority of time in ranges may find themselves frustrated by the variety of lies, for which they never had a chance to prepare in the range. Even a player who can afford the time and money to constantly play in a golf course would benefit from the repetition of hitting multiple times from the exact same lie.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ARTS

Golf Platforms with adjustable inclination are known to the art. For example:

U.S. Pat No. 2007/0066413 issued to Betch, describes a golf practice device that includes a hitting platform and a separate standing platform, supported by a joint and drive system. The joint and drive system adjusts the relative angle of the two platforms to be adjusted by rotational actuators. However, the exact nature and material of its joint and drive system are not disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,498 issued to Stipan, describes a golf practice device that includes a platform with a tilting practice surface being mounted on a base frame through a double cross joint. The inclination of the practice surface is adjusted by a pair of linear actuators attached from the base frame to the surface via a pair of pivot block.

U.S. Pat. No. 2004/0110570 issued to Hutchon, describes a golf practice device that includes a platform with a tilting practice surface being mounted on a middle plate via a pivot. A pivot jack is used to lift up the device and provide one degree of freedom. Another degree of freedom is provided by a motor-and-ram assembly between the middle plate and a base plate.

Although the abovementioned devices relate to a golf practicing platform that allows one to practice at variable lies, each of these designs suffer from drawbacks that limit the functionality of the device, compromise the convenience to their user, and more importantly, make such devices difficult to produce on a reasonable cost:

-   -   1. Although Stipan's device offers 2 degrees of freedom, in         practice, the platform cannot tilt around both of its axes at         the same time. The reason is because one actuator-pivot block         assembly will prevent the other from tilting the platform and         bending the assembly sideways. Stipan attempts to address this         limitation by adding a pivot to the bottom of each actuator thus         allowing it to tilt with the hitting surface. However, an         actuator and the central double-cross joint are only co-axial         when the actuator is in its natural position, therefore only one         of the actuator can be in its non-natural position at a time.         This technical limitation severely limits the range of         inclinations that can otherwise be achieved with the device.     -   2. Hutchon's device allows two degrees of freedom by placing         only one actuator for tilting. The other degree of freedom comes         from the rotation of the entire platform. However, the         introduction of a turning axis made it difficult to adjust the         platform to the desired inclination. Essentially, the golfer has         to solve a coordinate conversion problem to determine the         combination of rotation and tilt s/he needs. The golfer would         also have to step down from the platform to avoid getting         disoriented from the rotation.     -   3. For the axial rams of Hutchon's rotation assembly to work in         practice, it must either be made of an incredibly strong         material able to withstand extreme large forces, or have a         significantly larger diameter than shown on the drawings. This         is because a smaller ram requires smaller teeth for precision,         yet at the same time endures a non-linear increase in torque.         Rams with such large diameter or strong material are         prohibitively expensive and challenging to manufacture.     -   4. The devices by Hutchon and the devices by Stipan both         incorporate angled placement of linear actuators. This approach         mitigates linear actuator's limited range of motion, which is up         to ½ of the actuator length. Theoretically, angled placement         appears to be a simple way to reduce the device to an acceptable         height. In practice, assuming a 150-pound golfer desires an         angle of 15 degrees; it requires a force output of at least 580         pound from the actuators. Furthermore, this will place a         tremendous stress of 550 pounds acting sideways on the pivot         block. Bending it in such a way that makes stability impossible         to ensure. Making such powerful actuator and durable pivot block         is expensive and challenging.

The present invention seeks to address the limitations mentioned above and to provide further related advantage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a golf practicing device having a platform with adjustable angle. The platform can be tilted on two independent axial creating a variety of inclination thus allowing a player to simulate the vast variety of lies of the golf course in a driving range or practice site.

In one embodiment, we provide a hitting surface mounted on a base with a double-cross joint, allowing it to tilt at two degrees of freedom, simulating a combination of uphill and down hill lies. The golfer can adjust the tilt by standing on the platform and stepping on a switch. The switch will activate a linear actuator, which pull or release a cable running through a conjugated pulley system in the device. The will cause one side of the device to lower and the opposite side to life up, causing the golf platform to tilt toward the direction of activated switch.

The present embodiment provides a golf platform with the following benefits:

-   -   1. The device is adjustable within approximately 15 degrees         toward all possible direction because the use of cables         eliminates interferences of mechanical parts.     -   2. The force output necessary for the linear actuators are         minimized because they are not working at an angle.     -   3. The height for the device is minimized because the linear         actuators are placed horizontally.     -   4. The device is intuitive to adjust because each switch will         make the platform tilt toward that direction.     -   5. The device can be adjusted while the golfer is standing on         the hitting surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Frontal view of the first embodiment, dust cover not shown

FIG. 2. Perspective view of the first embodiment, with cut-out showing internal structure

FIG. 3. Bottom view of the first embodiment, base not shown

FIG. 4. Perspective view of the first embodiment, zoomed in on the actuator attachment

FIG. 5. Perspective view of the first embodiment, zoomed in on the cable stretcher

FIG. 6. Frontal view of the first embodiment, dust cover shown

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRST EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a golf practicing platform with an adjustable incline. The first embodiment is comprised of a sturdy base 10 made of a durable and corrosion-resistant material such as aluminum alloy. The embodiment rests on the ground with 4 adjustable foot bolts 11 a 11 b 11 c 11 b mounted at the bottom of the base 10. These foot bolts are individually adjustable in height to accommodate different substrates on which the practice platform rests. The tip of these foot bolts is coated in rubber or other protective coat to ensure good contact with the substrate. The footprint of this embodiment is approximately 150 cm by 150 cm; the height of this embodiment is reduced to a minimum while ensuring stability and durability.

This embodiment also comprises of a hitting surface 20 made of a light but stiff material to reduce weight while ensuring the golfer to get a balanced and stable footing. The material in this embodiment is aluminium alloy, whereas it can be replaced by any other materials with the desired properties. The dimension of the hitting surface in the embodiment is 150 cm by 150 cm, and the thickness of the hitting surface is minimized while ensuring that the flexion of the surface would not be too large to tremble and distract the golfer. On the top of the hitting surface 20 we affix an artificial turf mat 21 made of synthetic material to simulate the natural feeling of the grass. The artificial turf itself is widely available in the market.

A universal joint 30 is attached to the center of base 10 with nuts and bolts 30 a. The hitting surface 20 is then attached to the universal join 30 with nuts and bolts 30 b. The universal joint used in this embodiment is a universal joint of double-cross type; the double-cross joint is widely available and affordable. Double-cross joint is also the conventional choice when a range of motion about two independent axes of rotation is desired. Alternative means to achieve the same degrees of freedom can also be used in lieu of the double-cross joint 30.

At the bottom of the hitting surface 20, two cable actuators 50 51 are mounted symmetrically with fixed end bolts 50 a 51 a. The cable actuators in this embodiment are two linear actuators with actuator cable attachments 50 b 51 b at their ends. Each of cable attachments 50 51 is affixed to a segment of a cable 80. The cable 80 is made of a material of high tensional strength such as stainless steel. There exist other alternatives to compel and adjust the location of the cable precisely. For example, the linear actuator can be hydraulic or motor-and-nut-screw driven.

Alternatively, linear actuators or motor-worm-gear-and-spool assemblies can be used to serve the same function. Linear actuators are a good choice because they are standardized and widely available.

There is a cable guide assembly consisting of multiple parts and assemblies. The overall function of the assembly is to couple the position of cable 80 with the orientation between base 10 and hitting surface 20. Since the location of cable 80 is adjustable with actuators 50 51, the inclination of the platform is ultimately determined by position of actuators 50 51.

As a component of the cable guide assembly, four lower pulleys 40 a 41 a 42 a 43 a are mounted on base 10 in such a way that they are of equidistance to the center of the base and divide the base into four quadrants. Eight upper pulleys 40 b 40 c 41 b 41 c 42 b 42 c 43 b 43 c are grouped in groups of two. Each group is mounted at the bottom of hitting surface 20 facing the location of a corresponding lower pulley. The upper pulleys are placed in such a way that they appear to be “pinching” the lower pulleys (Refer to Diagram 2). Each group consisting of a pair of upper pulley and a lower pulley is referred to as a conjugated pulley system. For example, lower pulley 40 a and upper pulleys 40 b 40 c form the conjugated pulley system 40. In addition to the conjugated pulley system described in this embodiment, alternative conjugate cable guide systems with equivalent functions are known in the industry. For example, the pulleys can be replaced with PTEE-coated tubular guides while serving the same function. In this embodiment, the selection of a pulley-based system is in consideration of its low cost and durability.

As a part of the cable guide assembly, a screw tip 60 c is sandwiched between two cable stretcher end tubes 60 a and 60 b in such a way that turning the screw tip 60 c can fine tune the overall length of the cable stretcher 60. The two terminals of the stretcher 60 have holes and fasteners which allow a secure attachment with the ends of cable 80. The cable stretcher 60 is then secured to the bottom of the hitting surface 20 at the midpoint of one of its edges.

Cable 80 runs through the cable guide assembly in such a way that the extension of each actuators 50 51 decreases the length of cable 80 at a particular conjugate pulley assembly while giving extra length at the opposing pulley assembly. The retraction of the actuators has the opposite effect. In this way, each actuator controls the tilt of hitting surface 20 about one axis through manipulating the height of the hitting surface above an opposing pair of conjugated cable assemblies. Cable actuators 50 51 working in concert allow the golfer to adjust the orientation of the platform with two degrees of freedom.

In this embodiment, we select from many possible configurations a particularly efficient one to realize the abovementioned coupling: One end of cable 80 is connected to one terminal of fixed cable stretcher 60, cable 80 is then wound around the cable guide assembly in the following order: upper pulley 40 c, lower pulley 40 a, upper pulley 40 b, cable actuator attachment 51 b, upper pulley 43 b, lower pulley 43 a, upper pulley 43 c, upper pulley 42 b, lower pulley 42 a, upper pulley 42 c, cable actuator attachment 50 b, upper pulley 41 b, lower pulley 41 a, upper pulley 41 c, and finally back to fixed cable stretcher 60. This configuration allows the position of cable actuator 50 to determine the relative length of cable under pulley system 41 and 43, and the position of cable actuator 51 to determine the relative length of the cable under pulley systems 40 and 42. This configuration only requires one piece of cable and reduces the number of cable guides to a minimum.

Four switches 70 a 70 b 70 c 70 d are mounted in a rectangular array on the hitting surface 20 in such a way that they are of equidistance to its center and divide it into four quadrants. The switches in this embodiment are large and durable membrane switches. The switches are wired to the cable actuators 51 52 so that each pair of opposing switches control the extension and retraction of a particular cable actuator, resulting in the tilting of hitting surface 20 about one axis. For instance, the pair of switches 70 a and 70 b will cause the actuator 50 to extend and retract, thus causing the hitting surface 20 to bend toward the directions of 70 a and 70 b, respectively. While the pair of switches 70 c and 70 d will manipulate actuator 51 and cause the hitting surface 20 to tilt toward 70 c and 70 d, respectively. The switches are so large that golfers can adjust the inclination of the platform by stepping on them while standing on the platform. Membrane switches are selected for this embodiment for their resistance to moisture, dirt and grime.

A dust cover 80 surrounds the assembled device by attaching its upper edge around hitting surface 20 and its lower edge around base 10. The material used in the dust cover is durable and impermeable so the device is protected from the environment when placed in a golf practicing range. The dust cover is also flexible enough to avoid impeding the movement of the device. One example of such material is the corrugated rubber sheet.

SCOPES AND RAMIFICATIONS

While this embodiment has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The embodiment of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined in the following section. 

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. golf practicing device, more specifically a golf practicing platform, comprising of: a) a base structure, b) a hitting surface, c) a universal pivot with its lower set of support connectors connected to the base structure, and the top set of the support connectors connected to the hitting surface, such that the center of the base structure and the center of the hitting surface align, and hitting surface can pitch and roll relative the base structure, d) four pulley assemblies, mounted in a square array and equidistance from the center of the base structure, each set of the pulley assemblies comprising of i. a lower pulley mounted on base structure so the axis of the said pulley is aligned pointing to the center of the device, ii. a left upper pulley mounted under the hitting surface so one of its grooves is directly above of and aligns with the left groove of the lower pulley in the assembly, such that the axis of the said left upper pulleyis 45 degrees clockwise from the said lower pulley, iii. a left upper pulley mounted under the hitting surface so one of its grooves is directly above of and aligns with the left groove of the lower pulley in the assembly, such that the axis of the said left upper pulley is 45 degrees counter-clockwise from the said lower pulley, e) a loop of wire, first guided through the first pulley assembly; then guided through a second pulley assembly to the right of the first pulley assembly; then a third pulley assembly to the right of the second pulley assembly; and finally a fourth pulley assembly which is to the right of the third pulley assembly and the left of the first pulley assembly, the wire is guided through each of the pulley assemblies by first being guided through the left upper pulley of that assembly, then the lower pulley of that assembly, finally the right upper pulley of that assembly, the wire is also fasted to the underside of the hitting surface at a point betwccn two pulley assemblies, f) a pair of linear actuators mounted under the hitting surface parallel to the direction of the wire, with the clevis of each of the said actuators fastened to the wire, g) a set of switches connected electrically to the actuators so the switches control the extension and retraction of the actuators
 22. golf practicing device as claimed in claim 21, where the set of switches comprising of four switches mounted in a rectangular array on the upper surface of the hitting surface and connected to the actuators so that activating each switch will cause the actuator to actuate the wire and cause the hitting surface to pitch toward the direction of the activated switch.
 23. A golf practicing device as claimed in claim 21, where the set of switches comprising of four switches mounted in a rectangular array on the upper surface of the hitting surface and connected to the actuators so that activating each switch will cause the actuator to actuate the wire and force the hitting surface to pitch to the direction opposite of the activated switch.
 24. A golf practicing device as claimed in claim 22, where the set of switches are membrane switches.
 25. A golf practicing device as claimed in claim 22, where the set of switches are inductive proximity sensors.
 26. A golf practicing device as claimed in claim 23, where the set of switches are membrane switches.
 27. A golf practicing device as claimed in claim 23, where the set of switches are inductive pioximity sensors. 